Meet The Candidate: Paul Newby For NC Supreme Court Chief Justice

CHARLOTTE, NC — In addition to voting for president and vice president of the United States in the Nov. 3 general election, voters in North Carolina will choose delegates for the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, the North Carolina General Assembly, county commission, as well as superior court and district court judges.

Paul Newby is a 65-year-old Republican seeking election as Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

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Paul Newby

Age (as of Election Day)

65

Town/City of Residence

RALEIGH

Office Sought

Local offices (including countywide offices and school boards)

If you are running for local office, or in a district, please specify. (District 1, Commissioner at-large, etc.)

Statewide: Chief Justice of NC Supreme Court

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

I have been married to my wife since 1983, and we have four children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am the Senior Associate Justice of the NC Supreme Court

Education

B.A. in Public Policy Studies (with High Honors) from Duke University (1977);
J.D. from UNC School of Law (1980)

Occupation

Senior Associate Justice of the NC Supreme Court having served on the Supreme Court for 16 years; I have practiced law for more than 40 years.

Campaign website

paulnewby.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Elected to the NC Supreme Court in 2004; re-elected in 2012 (8 years terms); Assistant US Attorney (1985-2004)

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Justice delayed is justice denied. The Judicial Branch needs to collaborate with all the Branch’s local stakeholders--trial judges, clerks, district attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, and civil attorneys--to develop ways to address the increasing backlog of cases in each district. The rule of law requires the courts to treat everyone the same--fairly, impartially, and consistently applying the law to the facts of each case. Public trust and confidence in our legal system is foundational. The judicial branch needs to receive input from all community stakeholders to address concerns about fairness and work with the individuals who comprise the justice system to insure that everyone is treated the same.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

The symbol of the judiciary, Lady Justice, is blindfolded for a reason: everyone is to be treated the same. Because various aspects of this question are issues in cases currently pending, or could come, before the Supreme Court, it would not be appropriate for me, as a sitting justice, to state my personal views. Public trust and confidence in the judicial system is foundational. The Chief Justice should listen to community stakeholders about their concerns of fairness and work with the individuals who comprise the justice system to ensure that everyone is treated the same.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

Our Declaration of Independence states that all of us are created equal and endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights--life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that government's purpose is to protect those rights. The police play a critical role in protecting those fundamental rights and enabling all people to enjoy life, liberty, and property. As a citizen, I am grateful for their work to protect all of us.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

Because the question of the use of governmental power and other aspects of this question are issues in cases currently pending, or that could come, before the Supreme Court, it would not be appropriate for me, as a sitting justice, to state my personal views.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As the Senior Associate Justice, I am the most experienced member of the NC Supreme Court, having first been elected in 2004. I have been an attorney for more than 40 years and have practiced in about every area of the law.I support enabling the local judicial officials to develop solutions for the various challenges facing our justice system.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

As a Justice on the NC Supreme Court, in every case I strive to fairly, impartially, and consistently apply the law, faithfully interpreting the Constitution and statutes as intended. I do not legislate from the bench; I follow the rule of law. I have a reputation of being an honest, hard-working, common-sense justice. As a result, I have received widespread, bipartisan support across our State. I’m the only former prosecutor on the Court.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Over the last 16 years as a justice on the Supreme Court, I have written more opinions than anyone else. Recognized for my legal scholarship, I teach law students as well as judges and lawyers. I lecture and have written a book on the North Carolina Constitution and received the NC Bar Association’s Constitutional Rights Award. Knowing the importance of civic education, I frequently speak to school groups and community organizations, often about my role in directing an undercover sting operation which recovered NC’s stolen original copy of the Bill of Rights. For community involvement, I received the Citizen-Lawyer Award. As an Eagle Scout, I serve the Boy Scouts in numerous ways and have received the National Distinguished Eagle Award because of my service to scouting and the public. I received the Heroism Award for rescuing 9 people from a riptide.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

The judicial branch needs to fulfill our State Constitution’s promise that, “All courts shall be open; every person for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person, or reputation shall have remedy by due course of law; and right and justice shall be administered without favor, denial, or delay.” (Art. I, Sec. 18). I want our justice system to provide equal justice under the law in a timely manner. I hope to rebuild public trust and confidence in the justice system.

Why should voters trust you?

In 2004 I took an oath to uphold the State and federal constitutions and the laws of NC. In 2012 I again took that oath. I have fulfilled that oath over the last 16 years, and if elected Chief Justice, will again fulfill the oath.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Transparency and accountability should always be the guiding principles for handling public funds.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

I would serve as allowed by the law.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always treat others the way I want to be treated, and I should remember: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all I do.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My mother was a public school teacher, and my father was a printer-an hourly worker. As the first lawyer in my family, I never had any idea I would one day serve on the State’s highest court. I am truly fortunate to have had that experience for 16 years. I ask for your support for my candidacy for Chief Justice. Thank you.

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